DNA methylation increases nucleosome compaction and rigidity.

ABSTRACT: Cytosine methylation on CpG dinucleotides is an essential epigenetic modification in eukaryotes. How DNA methylation modulates nucleosome structure and dynamics has been a long-standing question. We implemented a single-molecule method to monitor the effects of DNA methylation on the structure and dynamics of mononucleosomes. Our studies show that DNA methylation induces a more compact and rigid nucleosome structure, providing a physical basis for how DNA methylation might contribute to regulating chromatin structure.

SUBMITTER: Choy JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4167393 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature